Alli, the Over-the-Counter Orlistat Diet Drug, Hits the Market: Can Thyroid Patients Take It?
Alli, the Over-the-Counter Orlistat Diet Drug, Hits the Market: Can Thyroid Patients Take It? Thursday June 14, 2007 Orlistat (brand name Alli), the newly-approved, over-the-counter version of the prescription weight loss drug Xenical, is hitting the market this week. Since many thyroid patients struggle with weight problems, I thought it would be helpful to take a brief look at this new drug. I also consulted with endocrinologist Dr. Ted Friedman to find out whether the drug is safe for thyroid patients. Find out more now. About Orlistat Typically, a dosage of orlistat is taken with each meal, with care given to control the amount of fat in the meal. The drug works by reducing the amount of fat absorbed by the body. Orlistat has been available in prescription form in the U.S. since 1999. Unlike stimulant diet drugs, its considered generally sa